Adjustably sloped simulated walking or exercise surface having multiple handles at multiple heights or positions

ABSTRACT

Briefly, adjustably sloped simulated walking or exercise surfaces having multiple handles at multiple heights or positions are disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is related to provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/785,861, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, by Goldman, titled“ADJUSTABLY SLOPED SIMULATED WALKING OR EXERCISE SURFACE HAVING MULTIPLEHANDLES AT MULTIPLE HEIGHTS OR POSITIONS,” herein incorporated byreference in its entirety and assigned to the assignee of presentlyclaimed subject matter.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This disclosure relates to handles and/or handrails incorporated intoexercise equipment, such as a treadmill. Specifically, it relates to thepositions and height of the handles that is made available to providesupport, at multiple heights and positions, to optimize supportavailable for users of the treadmill, for whom specific individual spineor body position is helpful to allow successful use of the exerciseequipment. This includes but is not limited to individuals with SpinalStenosis, or Pseudostenosis, or related or unrelated orthopedic,arthritis, or medical conditions.

2. Information

A treadmill is an exercise machine for running or walking while stayingin one place. The machine provides a moving platform with a wideconveyor belt and an electric motor or a flywheel. A manual treadmillallows motion without a motor. Conveyor belt moves to the rear, allowinga person to walk or run. The rate at which the user moves is the rate ofwalking or running. The speed of running and walking may be controlled,as may the angle of inclination of the supportive platform and belt ofthe treadmill.

The treadmill is used for several purposes, including but not limited toexercise, rehabilitation, and diagnostic testing in patients withsuspected cardiovascular problems, and other uses that may be determinedby need or interest of individuals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS AND PICTURES

Claimed subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctlyclaimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, both asto organization and/or method of operation, together with objects,features, and/or advantages thereof, claimed subject matter may best beunderstood by reference to the following detailed description if readwith the accompanying drawings and explanations in which:

FIG. 1 is a picture from 2013 article, of patient 4′10″, with pediatricfolding walker set at 26 inches.

FIG. 2 is a picture from attached 2013 article, of patient 5′11 inchesand kyphosis needing a walker at 32 inches for functional improvement.

FIG. 3 is a picture from attached 2013 article, of patient with walkerhandles too high for comfort, inducing shoulder and arm pain with use.

FIG. 4 shows a Sammons Preston 562835 SportsArt T652M Treadmill, withhandrail extension (Source:http://www.sportsartamerica.com/saf/commercial/treadmills/t611.asp)

FIG. 5 shows an orbiter treadmill (Source:http://orbitertreadmill.com/pro-sports.html)

FIG. 6 shows two views demonstrating mechanisms to maintain the spine inproper position by adjusting the arms in matters not conducive tolong-term comfort or benefit.

FIG. 7: A side view of a “tread lower side handle” embodiment.

FIG. 8: Top views of a “tread lower side handle” embodiment.

FIG. 9: A view from the front of the “tread Lower side handle”embodiment.

FIG. 10: A side view of a “tread lower side handles” embodimentsuperimposed upon an image of a treadmill, that demonstrates theposition and functional advantage of this embodiment.

FIG. 11: A frontal view of a framed embodiment of a “tread lowertransverse front handle”

FIG. 12: A side view of a “tread lower transverse front handle”embodiment

FIG. 13: A side view of the Tread Lower transverse front handle”modification superimposed upon an image of a treadmill, thatdemonstrates the position and functional advantage of this embodiment.

FIG. 14: A side view of “tread lower transverse front handle” embodimentthat has been rotated to a different position,

FIG. 15: A frontal view of “tread lower transverse front handle”superimposed upon an image of a treadmill, that demonstrates theposition and functional advantage of this embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is made in the following detailed description to accompanyingdrawings, which formed a part hereof, wherein like numerals maydesignated like parts throughout to indicate corresponding and oranalogous components. It will be appreciated that components illustratedin the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, such as poorsimplicity and/or clarity of the illustration. For example, dimensionsof some component may be exaggerated relative to other components.Further, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized.Furthermore, structural and/or other changes may be made withoutdeparting from the claimed subject matter. It should also be noted thatdirection's and/or references, for example, up, down, top, bottom, andso on, may be used to facilitate discussion of drawings and/or are notintended to restrict application of cling and subject matter. Therefore,the following detailed description is not to be taken to limit claimedsubjects matter and/or equivalent.

References throughout this specification to “one example”, one feature,”“one embodiment,” “an example,” “a feature,” “an implementation,” or “anembodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the feature, example, orembodiment, is included in at least one feature, example, or embodimentof claims subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in oneexample,” “an example,” “in the one that implementation,” “animplementation,” “an embodiment,” or “in one embodiment” in variousplaces throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same feature, example, or embodiment. Particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more examples,features, or embodiment. The term “user” and “individual” may be usedinterchangeably herein. The term “spinal stenosis” as used herein, mayinclude any known and/or suspected condition involving the lumbosacralspine, or one or more adjacent structures, in which changing lumbosacralflexion and/or extension may affect spinal nerve compression and/orposition of any spinal structure, potentially resulting in local, nerveinduced, and/or other symptoms. The term “arthritis” as used herein andmay include any known and/or suspected condition involving damage, pain,and/or inflammation of one or more joints of the body, such asshoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and so forth. Spinal Stenosis, orPseudoStenosis, as defined in the 2013 Journal of the American PodiatricMedical Association article attached, are often the cause of symptomsotherwise identified as poor circulation, arthritis, fibromyalgia,neuropathy, and others. For this reason, the benefit of the treadmillmodification in providing clinical relief is not limited to patientsdiagnosed with Spinal Stenosis, and this application, though focused onbenefit to individuals with spinal stenosis, is also meant to seekpatent for these modification that can be helpful for any patient withrelated or possible related walking difficulty, with or withoutrecognized overlap of symptoms with Spinal Stenosis.

Individuals with Spinal Stenosis or Pseudostenosis (and otherorthopedic, neurologic or other medical conditions) are often unable touse a treadmill because of symptoms similar to those experienced bythese individuals during standard walking activities. Spinal Stenosis isdefined as a condition in which narrowed structures in the lumbar spinecause clinical symptoms. These include localized back pain, neurogenicclaudication symptoms in the legs, or neurogenic positional pedalneuritis symptoms in the feet, and other presentations of discomfortthat may involve the back, hips, thighs, knees, legs, ankles, and/orfeet, causing symptoms, including a limitation of ability to walk, orstand, or find a comfortable position, and may result in increased bodystrain affecting other organ systems.

Pseudostenosis is defined as a condition in which dysfunction of thelower extremities affects the function of the spine, producing eitherspine or lower extremity symptoms similar to Spinal Stenosis, which maybe in the presence or absence of structural Spinal Stenosis. Lowerextremity pathology that may cause pseudostenosis includes, but is notlimited to, uneven limb length, flat feet, arthritis, and others.Pseudostenosis, as is defined in this application, was first publishedin an article in the March 2013 issue of the Journal of the AmericanPodiatric Medical Association. That article is included with theapplication.

Both Spinal Stenosis and Pseudostenosis induced symptoms may be reducedor eliminated by optimizing spine position. Specifically, flexion mayopen up both the central canal and/or lateral foramen of the spine,reduce both local arthritic symptoms, and those symptoms caused by nervecompression or irritation.

Other orthopedic, neurologic or medical conditions can also causesymptoms affected by standing and walking. They may be present in thepresence or absence of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis or Pseudostenosis. For thepurpose of identification of people that may be helped by having thestructural support of this application, the term “Spinal Stenosis” asused in this application should be understood to include individualswith either Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, and/or Pseudostenosis, and the term“other conditions” should be understood to include other orthopedic,neurologic, or medical conditions with symptoms that may be exacerbatedby walking, standing, or using exercise equipment such as a treadmill.

Individuals with Spinal Stenosis have been reported to have dramaticallyincreased walking capability by using a walker whose handles had beenset at a level which induces lumbo-sacral flexion in that individual.Literature (published in medical, diabetes, and podiatry journals by theapplicant of this application) has reported that an exact or near exacthandle height is often necessary for optimal improvement to occur, andthat handle height must be measured or set for the individual, andcannot be accurately extrapolated from the individual's height. Thereason for clinical improvement is the recognized anatomic phenomenathat flexion of the spine increases the diameter of the spine and itslateral components, and that extension narrows these structures. In thatSpinal Stenosis by definition involves narrowing of these structures,flexion induced opening may alter the symptoms caused by this condition.The need for specific handle height is based upon many factors includingthe height of the individual, but also affected by the relativeproportion of the height of the legs to the overall height of theindividual, length of the arms, the changes in proportion that may haveoccurred with diminished height seen frequently with age, the amount oflumbo-sacral flexion needed to induce adequate opening of the centralcanal and lateral foramen whose compression can induce symptoms, andother factors. The multiple factors that may affect the individual'sneed for specific handle height prevent the ability to predict height ofhandle needed for an individual based solely upon the individual'sheight. It is essential for positional management that the position ofthe handle induces the needed lumbar position while the arms are heldextended, and with the person in a comfortable position, not leaning toofar forward. Leaning too far forward is often not comfortable forindividuals. Leaning forward but with the arms flexed often causes anuncomfortable or tired feeling of the arms and shoulder. Discomfort maybe enough to induce the person to stand straighter, eliminating benefitof the positional management. This explanation of why appropriate handleheight is essential for success with presents why exact or near exacthandle height is needed for optimal improvement with a walker.

Concept of need for specific walker handle height to induce lumbosacralflexion has been termed “positional management”, and was reportedinitially in medical, diabetes, and podiatry literature solely by theapplication of this patent application. This was first published in Mayof 2003 in an article of the Journal of the American Podiatric MedicalAssociation, which is included with this application. The specific termsof the current protocol components of positional management, includingPositional History, Positional Testing, and Positional Therapy, werefirst published in Diabetes, in an abstract in 2005, solely by theapplicant of this patent application, and then further disseminated in afull journal article in the Journal of Family Practice in 2008, which isincluded with this application. Greater clarity of the details ispresented in a full journal article in the Journal of the AmericanPodiatry Association, March 2013, which is included with thisapplication.

Walkers currently commercially generally have mechanisms available to beadjustable to the multiple heights. This may allow adjustment to provideoptimal positioning for patients with spinal stenosis or other relatedor unrelated conditions Retrospective review of 250 patients of theauthor of this application of successfully treated with positionalmanagement for spinal stenosis with use of a walker identified that eachhad been fitted with walker handle height that was between 35 and 26inches off the ground (unpublished data). Different brands or models ofwalkers have different handle height range. Different types havedifferent height range, such as a “pediatric” or “junior” walker havinglower handle height ranges than standard models. Pictures demonstratingdifferent walker models, and set at different heights as required by theindividuals using them, follow, with descriptions attached.

Currently art, including commercially available treadmills, does notinclude apparatus needed to easily or optimally address the need forvaried or multiple handle positions of different heights, to satisfy theneeds of individuals, such as those with spinal stenosis or otherconditions, who require specific body or spine position for optimalcomfort during exercise. Some variations of available treadmills includea slanted front handle, slanted side handle, or extendedhandle/handrail. Pictures demonstrating different treadmills withhandrail variations follow.

The treadmills of FIGS. 4 and 5 and similar existing treadmills have asloped handle that presents a lower position for handle placement thanstandard treadmills. This does not interfere with this set of claims asthe sloped handles on these models and other similar treadmills withsloped handles do not provide all the benefits of the apparatuspresented in this claim. It may also be noted that the handles beingavailable for people with spinal stenosis or other conditions does notappear to be of concern in the presented art, as this potential benefitand the height variation of the handrail sections is not mentioned in online advertisements of the two companies who produce these treadmills.

Regarding the SportsArt treadmill of FIG. 4, though the long handrailextension has lower handle height, there are several factors thatinterfere with optimal function for many people with spinal stenosis andother conditions. They include the following:

a. For shorter people or some who need to flex aggressively to use thishandle, which extends to the back portion of the treadmill, the usermust be in the back portion of the treadmill, and away from thetreadmill controls.

b. For shorter people or some who need to flex aggressively to use thishandle, depending on the handle height required, the position chosen canput the user close to the back of the treadmill which may restrict thespace available for normal stride length, for walking or running.

c. For shorter people or some who need to flex aggressively to use thishandle, depending on the handle height required, and the amount offlexion needed, the feet may be too far back on the treadmill for themto be able to stay on the treadmill and use the positional managementposition of having arms extended straight, with the spine adequatelyflexed, and the arm position being extended comfortably close to thebody. This will result in two potential changes in position, each ofwhich can eliminate the benefit of positional management.

a. The individual could either keep their elbows bent and walk furtherforward on the treadmill, and lose the benefit of optimal positioningfor spinal stenosis.

b. They could also extend the elbows straight, but keep the hands so farforward that it is a more strained and problematic position, puttingextra mechanical stress on their upper arms and shoulders.

d. The handle extension descends and is no longer coplanar with thesupporting surface of the treadmill. In that many people with thiscondition already use a walker that has handles parallel to thesupporting surface of the ground, handles parallel to the supportingsurface of the treadmill is a more familiar position that they haveexperience and confidence with, an important consideration for peoplewith limitation associated with Spinal Stenosis or other conditions.This downward angle of the handle induces a different leaning position,and may require the arms to be further forward, so that the user is notleaning primarily down but leaning significantly forward (into) on thehandles. A similar angulation can be induced in a standard foldingwalker by setting the back legs at a lower level. Many people find theposition of leaning forward (into) on the handles uncomfortable andrefuse this handle position. Extrapolation suggests that this positionmay also be less comfortable for many people using the treadmill. Inthat for some people the angle of 90 degrees from the arm and hand tothe handle is comfortable, use of the handle in a downward sloperequires either leaning in to it, which may be uncomfortable, or to havethe elbows bent in a manner which allows the arms to angle forward. Thissecond position may cause arm and shoulder discomfort and expendsenergy. It eliminates the value of having arms straight, elbows locked,and leaning down, for spinal stenosis patients, as has been described ingreatest detail in the March 2013 JAPMA article attached.

e. These problems are all resolved with use of the apparatus claimed, asis described below.

Regarding the Orbiter treadmill of FIG. 5, there are factors thatinterfere with optimal function for many people with spinal stenosis andother conditions. This has an oblique downward directed handle. Thiswould strongly force a leaning forward position for anyone needing tokeep arms straight as is recommended using the positional approach forspinal stenosis and related conditions. This is often an uncomfortableposition for people, especially those who medical or arthritic pathologysuch as Spinal Stenosis and other conditions. In addition, those wholean into the supporting handle, would be close to the back (or off) thesupportive surface. In addition, those who bend the elbows, lose benefitof positional management. These problems are resolved with use of theapparatus claimed, as is described below.

Regarding the oblique front handle available on some treadmill models,this provides a variation of heights, but is limited to a small range ofavailable heights.

A treadmill is an exercise machine for running or walking while stayingin one place, that may be used for several purposes. The supportinghandle of the treadmill may be on the side, or in the front, and may beused by some individuals to maintain body position while walking orrunning. The term handle refers to a grip or the like specificallydesign for holding and/or clasping by one or more hands during use ofthe treadmill. Uses of the treadmill include but are not limited to:

a. Exercise for individuals without related medical conditions, such asfor conditioning or weight loss.

b. Rehabilitation for individuals with a wide variety of medicalproblems who attempt to overcome problems with deconditioning caused bythe medical problems.

c. Diagnostic testing in patients with suspected cardiovascularproblems, via the treadmill stress test.

d. Others as determined by need or interest of individuals.

Individuals with symptomatic spinal stenosis have been reported for manyyears in literature written by the applicant, to improve walking andreduce symptoms by using external support such as a walker, thatfacilitates attaining and maintaining a position of comfortablelumbosacral flexion to reduce or eliminate the pain and walkinglimitation that frequently is seen in patients with spinal stenosis. Seethe accompanying articles, published between 2003 and 2013, thatdescribe this benefit in walking capability as well as overall symptoms.It is stressed in each article that specific walker height is essentialto obtain optimal improvement for many patients. As reported withgreatest detail in the 2013 article, individuals with Spinal Stenosiscan respond to imperfect lumbosacral support in different manners. Ifthe support induces the optimal spine position, there is usually anincrease in comfortable walking, and reduction or elimination of eithersymptoms or exacerbation of other symptoms associated with spinalstenosis.

An explanation of the possible responses to non optimal handle height isprovided to support the value of having optimal handle height. This setof observations is extrapolated from successful management ofindividuals, with walker use. If handle support height is too high, itis common that individuals do not obtain the optimal flexion position toreduce symptoms emanating from or through the spine with SpinalStenosis. This pattern is commonly seen in individuals who do not walkbetter with a walker in which the handles are too high, just as manyindividuals do not walk better with a treadmill as the handle height istoo high to induce or facilitate comfortable lumbar flexion. As reportedin the accompanying articles, this applicant has seen dramaticimprovement in walking capability and pain level of patients followingadjustment of a walker to an optimal height, usually one in which slightlumbosacral flexion was induced. Nevertheless, individuals can stillobtain the benefit of appropriately flexed lumbo-sacral position by twocompensatory behaviors, which are labeled as sub optimal. An individualmay flex the arms while leaning forward, in a way that induces flexion,but often causes shoulder and arm strain and/or tiredness or pain inindividuals, and may induce shortness of breath in individuals with areduced functional capacity. This can be counterproductive toindividuals using a treadmill to improve their cardiovascular status.Another way to compensate for handle height that is too high is to flexat the spine, keep the arms straight as is optimal, but hold the walkeror other support very far forward in front of the individual. This canalso cause arm, shoulder or torso discomfort, and often induces afeeling of chasing the support device, as it is too far in front. Manypeople report this is uncomfortable, and note immediate improvement whenthe handle support is placed at a more appropriate height. The lack ofoptimal improvement in so many patients with a too high walker handleheight supports the observation that these two compensation maneuversare intrinsically less comfortable. These two compensation behaviors areshown above in FIG. 4. If the handle height is too low, the individualmay either hold the handle lightly with the tips of the fingers toreduce flexion but in a way that does not provide stable support, orhold the handles and thus cause excess flexion, which may result painfulsymptoms.

This application embodies apparatus built in to a treadmill, withvariations of handle position and height that may be used in treadmillsor other exercise equipment, that are unique in that by design theyallow multiple concurrent handle positions at different heights, thatprovide multiple heights for both side handles and front transversehandles, to provide support for body positioning to accommodate theneeds of individuals with spinal stenosis or other medical conditions.This apparatus and variations claimed do so by having multiple handleheights, all in the front section of the treadmill where handlestraditionally are and whereby use allows the user easy access tocontrols. With the many handle heights available, the user may choosethe handle height that is most comfortable for their physical needs,leaning with the arms straight, and allow the ability to change heighteasily, and thus self adjust when desired, with having no need to modifythe treadmill device in any way.

This application also embodies apparatus that serves as a treadmillhandle modification that can be retrofit to existing treadmills, to beattached temporarily or permanently, to supplement or replace functionaluse of either side handles and/or front transverse handles, to allowmultiple handle heights, so as to provide optimal handle heights toaccommodate individuals with spinal stenosis or other medicalconditions. It does so by having multiple handle heights, all in thefront section of the treadmill where handles traditionally are, so thatan individual may choose the handle height that is instinctively mostcomfortable, and self adjust when desired, with having no need to modifythe treadmill device in any way. Good support height is always madeavailable.

The number of handle heights available is enhanced by including not onlybends in the handle, as is demonstrated, but also by having 2 or morehandles, which are accessible to the user because they are staggered ina manner that allows access to the lower handles without being blockedby the higher handles. The higher handles on both side and frontapparatus are further away from the center of the body of the user,allowing access to lower handles without interference from higherhandles. In that the term handle may refer to a specific section of ahandle bar, throughout this application the term “bar” shall refer tothe structure within any manifestation or embodiment of this apparatusthat may comprise the physical structure that serves as a handle.

The design of the front handles (referred to as “Tread Lower TransverseFront Handle” demonstrated by art submitted includes a 40 degreedownward slant from the middle section, to both allow comfort of thehand on the handle, but which also allows greater variability in handheight on each handle. This positioning may or may not be optimal, butwill be functional. The selection of this position does not exclude fromthis application any other shape or bend or angle of the multiple bars.In addition, the center portion of the bar may be small, for example 2inches, to allow greater room on each side bar, or could be wider, forexample, 10 inches wide to give users the option of using the totallytransverse section for support. The representative embodiment is notmeant to limit the claim of this application, which should include allvariations of shape and apportionment of size of sections.

The design of the side handles (referred to as Tread Lower Side Handle”as shown allows three different handle heights per bar, which may be asingle bar bent, or 3 handle sections attached, with each handle beingparallel to the supporting surface of the treadmill. This positioning isfelt to be optimal, but the selection of this position does not excludefrom this application any other shape, or bend within a single bar, orangle of the multiple or individual handle sections to the supportingsurface. The design of the “Tread Lower Side Handle” shows two staggeredbars, with handle heights at 2 inches apart. Alternative embodiment, notshown, could be having three staggered handles, with height differentialat 1.5 inches apart. Alternative embodiment, not shown, could have twoor three or more straight handles at different heights, angled downwardsand backwards at a specific angle such as but not necessarily 25degrees, that would be staggered to allow concomitant access.Demonstrated art does not in any way exclude from this application anyvariation in the shape, or specific number of handles, or heightdifferential between handles.

A primary advantage of these modifications is to allow individuals towalk with the hands holding the handles, and the arms straight, inducingand maintain the spine or other body part in an optimal sagittal planeposition. A secondary advantage is a solution to a separate but relatedproblem. Individuals with stenosis often report an increase in symptomsand difficulty walking and they find that symptoms return when they walkup hill with a walker, even if the walker has been set at the optimalhandle height for that person. They walker handles are then positionedhigher relative to the person, as the walker is higher on an incline.Depending on how sensitive the individual is to spine induced symptoms,they may experience such symptoms quickly when the spine positioninduced by the walker is altered to a more extended position. In orderto maintain optimal spine position, the individual may flex their elbowsand or shoulders. This maneuver may be taxing physically, because ofincrease demands on arm and shoulder muscle function, and may also causeshortness of breath in individuals with a diminished cardiovascularcapacity, as is reported in the 2013 article attached. This problem isrelieved by the presence of multiple handle heights, so that whenwalking on the treadmill in an incline manner, as is used for exercise,the person can choose a lower handle height to improve spine position,with no adjustment needed for treadmill device in any way.

It is observed that individuals with symptomatic spinal stenosis oftenintrinsically sense the proper height of handle, and will gravitate tothat height if there are no factors inducing them to reject this handleheight. For this reason, having all handle heights available at alltimes allows the individual to select handle height based upon physicalcomfort, without assistance of medical professional, exercise assistant,or caregiver. It is not possible to predict the optimal height for anindividual person, as many factors that influence optimal height,including but not limited to, the height of the individual, the lengthof the arms, the proportion of height of the legs to the overall heightof the individual, the amount of kyphosis present, arthritis withlimitation of motion of the elbows or shoulder, and the amount oflumbosacral flexion necessary to induce adequate opening of the centralspinal canal or lateral foramen, and other factors. In other instances,appropriate height of the handles may be influenced by symptoms andpositioning limitation of the elbows, hips, knees, shoulders, and/orneck, for example. There may even be different optimal handle heightsfor the two arms. Having the many different handle heights availableallows the patient to select that which is most comfortable, to changeif desired, and to experiment, without need to adjust the treadmill. Itis also known that spinal stenosis symptoms are often inconsistent, sothat symptoms may be present and require a certain spine position on oneday, but not be present requiring that spine position on another day.Finally, in that the treadmill may be used by more than one individualthat have different optimal handle heights required, even if in aprivate domicile, having the multiple handle heights all availablewithout needed adjustment, is advantageous. For these and other reasons,having multiple handles available concurrently facilitates compliancewith use of the optimal handle height.

Claimed matter is not limited in scope to the illustrated embodiments orimplementations. That shown and described are individualrepresentations, but all variants of the handles that include theadvantages of the presented scenarios are claimed. For example, theangle of the bend, the size or shape of the bar, the covering or lack ofcovering on the support bar, the length of the individual handlesections of the bar, the number of offset bars in the embodiment, thedistance between the offset bars, the distance between each height ofeach handle section, and all other variations of this structure areincluded in this claim.

The illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10 is a labeledas “tread lower side handle” and is a replacement for the single heightside bar standard on most treadmills, whether that bar is extended, orslanted. In this embodiment, there are six handle heights concurrentlyavailable. Each handle is 5 inches long, and 1.5 inches in diameter.There is a two inch difference between height of each handle, measuredfrom the center of the handle, so that, for example, the handles may beset at 36, 34, 32, 30, 28, and 26 inches above the supporting surface ofthe treadmill. In this embodiment there is a six inch space between thehigher and lower adjacent handles. The higher handle is offset threeinches, outside the bottom handle, to allow easy access to the lowerhandle. Poles or other supporting apparatus secure the top handlesection of “tread lower side handle” to the lower handle section, andsecure it to some stable part of the frame or other section of thetreadmill. In this embodiment, the handle sections are all coplanar tothe walking surface, so that the handles are in position similar to therollator or folding walker the individual may be familiar with and use.

A variation of this or other embodiments would be to add mechanizationthat would automatically adjust the handle position when the angle ofinclination of the treadmill walking surface is altered. Anothervariation to this or other embodiments would be to connect the barssupporting the handle sections to the base, so that maintaining aparallel position to the supporting surface would occur as altering thewalking surface and it's supporting structure could also alter thehandle section.

The illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 arelabeled as “Tread Lower Transverse Front Handle” and is a replacementfor the single front bar standard on many treadmills. This is accuratelydescribed as a single bar even though the oblique angle present in somebars allow some variation in hand height position supported. However,this variation in hand position is limited to a few inches, and does notsupport the great variation in handle height needed to provide optimalposition support for the wide range of spinal stenosis patients.

In the illustrated embodiment, shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15,there are 5 handles concurrently available. In a single embodiment, thehighest position may be 42 inches in height, which is the height of thehandle of many grocery carts. The demonstrated embodiment has bars havea transverse section to separate right and left, and then the barsextend outward and downward by 40 degrees, giving multiple handle heightpositions for each bar. Each bar is 1.5 inches in diameter, and thereare 4 inches of space in height between the center of each bar. Each baris offset, backwards being towards the back of the treadmill, with 3inch difference between the center of the two adjacent bars, resultingin 1.5 inch posterior offset, and 2.5 inch difference vertical offset.Poles or other apparatus secures the top handles to the lower handles,and secures it to some part of the frame of the treadmill. It may beunderstood that the oblique section of this bar may allow handlepositioning of approximately but not exactly 2 inches below thetransverse section. This allows this embodiment to have a range of 18inches of different height of hand positions. The 18 inch totalvariation in handle height allows a wide range of handle people ofdifferent heights and spine position needs to have support withoutexcessively leaning forward. The handles are in the front half of thetreadmill, so there is not shifting of shorter users backwards towardthe back of the treadmill. Depending on the amount of separation betweenheights of the bars in other embodiments, there may be more or lessstaggering of the bars necessary for comfort.

Either “Tread Lower Side Handle” or “Tread Lower Front TransverseHandle” may be designed as units that can “retro fit” to existingtreadmill using standard mechanisms including clamps, and thus providethe advantage of optimizing body position and facilitating exercise,without need for new capital purchase. Attachment could be eitherpermanent attachment, or temporary and removable attachment, usingcommonly available art.

Both “Tread Lower Side Handle” and Tread Lower Front Transverse Handleembodiments may be place on a single treadmill unit or style, eitherbuilt in, or available for “retro fit”. This would maximize the optionsof hand placement for any user.

Detailed Explanation of Figures

FIG. 6 shows two views demonstrating the mechanisms to maintain thespine in proper position, by adjusting the arms in manners not conduciveto long term comfort or benefit for individuals who would benefit fromspecific positions, are demonstrated on a standard treadmill by anindividual who is 5′3″.

FIG. 7 is a side views of a “tread lower side handle” modification. Inthis embodiment, there are six handle heights concurrently available forusers of a treadmill. Each handle is 5 inches long, and 1.5 inches indiameter. There is a 2 inch height position difference for each handleso that handles may be set, for example, at 36, 34, 32, 30, 38, and 26inches above the treadmill walking surface. The top handle section, withthree handles, is offset 3 inches outside the bottom handle to alloweasy access to lower handle. This is not seen from this angle, but isseen in following figures. Poles or other apparatuses secures the tophandle section, which is offset, to the bottom section, in both thefront (square dots) and in the back (round dots). This embodimentdemonstrates by the dotted line potential attachment to forwardstructures in the frame of body of the treadmill.

FIG. 8 is a Top view of the “tread lower side handle” modification thatincludes 6 handles with 6 heights, and is meant to be viewed andunderstood with FIG. 7. As in FIG. 7 a above with multi colored handles,the front handle is the top one, black, 2 inches lower is striped, andtwo inches lower is oblique pattern. For this embodiment, the outsideblack Is meant to be set at 36 inches, outside striped is 34, outsideoblique is 32, inside black is 30, inside striped is 28, inside obliqueis 26 The outside upper handle is offset 3 inches on the outside, awayfrom the center of the treadmill. In this embodiment representation,attachments of outside handle to inside handle are demonstrate by squaredots in front and by round dots in back.

FIG. 9 is a view from position of the front of the treadmilldemonstrating position of the “tread lower side handle” modificationthat includes 6 handles at 6 heights. Each circle represents a differenthandle height with three on outside top handle section, and three onInside bottom handle section. This version shows oblique bar securingtwo handle sections, with dotted bar in front attaching height 36 to 30,and dashed line in back Attaching handle height 32 to 26. Poles thensecure bottom handle section to the base of the treadmill. Looking froma position from the front of the treadmill, this section is on theright, with the top handle being on the outside, and farther to theright.

FIG. 10 is a side view of commercially available treadmill that has anembodiment of “tread lower side handle” modification shown in a way thatdemonstrates its position and purpose. Shown is this handle on the leftside only of the treadmill, while function would have the modificationson both sides of treadmill. The top three handles are on the outsidebar, and the lower three handles are on the inside bar. The photographshowing a treadmill exercise machine illustrates environmental structureand forms no part of the claimed design.

FIG. 11 is a view of an embodiment of the frame of “tread lowertransverse front handle”. This shows the establishment of multipleheights with this device. Shown is the frame of the apparatus and the 5bars that provide the handles. Each bar is 1.5 inches diameter. Thereare 4 inches of space between tops of adjacent bars. Center sectionprovides 10 inches of bar that may be used as a handle. The obliquesection of each bar allows additional height selection positions foreach bar that is approximately 2 inches below the transverse bar. Thebars are offset three inches, from the center of the bars, to allowaccess to lower bars without interference from higher bars, though thiscannot be seen from this perspective. Structure to attach this frame tothe body of the treadmill is not shown, as this is not unique to thisapparatus, and may be built in or retrospectively attached in many ways.There are five handles. Due to the availability of use of the obliqueportion of the bar as a handle position, the lower hand position is 18inches below the top handle position.

FIG. 12 is a side view of “tread lower transverse front handle”modification. This shows the height variations of the center bars, being4 inches from top to top of bar, and the offset positioning of the bars,being 3 inches offset or staggered, from front to front of bar. Each baris 1.5 inches in diameter. There are 5 handles, and the offsetpositioning places the farthest posterior handle 12 inches behind thehightest. Due to the availability of use of the oblique portion of thebar as a handle position, the lower hand position is 18 iches below totop handle position.

FIG. 13 a is a view from the side of a treadmill that has the “TreadLower Transverse Front Handle” modification in place in a way thatdemonstrates its position and purpose. The photograph showing atreadmill exercise machine illustrates environmental structure and formsno part of the claimed design.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment in which “tread lower transverse fronthandle” is not in a fixed position, but rather has been rotated into adifferent position. In this position, only the central bars would beavailable for use, while the apparatus is in this position. Thephotograph showing a treadmill exercise machine illustratesenvironmental structure and forms no part of the claimed design.

FIG. 15 shows the tread lower transverse front handle modification thatis attached to treadmill and shows position of use. The photographshowing a treadmill exercise machine illustrates environmental structureand forms no part of the claimed design.

4. Advantages

The apparatus claimed, which includes multiple handle heightsconcurrently available, which in an advantageous embodiment wouldinclude all handles being coplanar to the supportive surface of thetreadmill, overcomes the problems presented in the following manners.

a. The user, even if short or requiring extensive flexion, is furtherforward and thus not far from treadmill controls.

b. The user, even if short or requiring extensive flexion, is fartherforward, and thus not in a position of being close to the back of thetreadmill that might cause change in stride.

c. The user, even if short or requiring extensive flexion, is fartherforward, and thus not in a position of being close to the back of thetreadmill that might induce not using the positional protocol of armsbeing straight and close to the body, that provides the clinical benefitof positional management.

d. The user, even if short or requiring extensive flexion, is able touse the positional protocol of having arms straight and leaning eitherforward or downward on to the handles, based upon choice.

e. The user is able to have the coplanar handle (on the Tread Lower SideHandle version) be parallel to the supporting surface, which is a knownand comfortable position for many people, as compared to being forced touse an unfamiliar angulated handle position that may not be comfortablefor some people.

f. Those using the “tread lower transverse front handle” have the handsin front of them in a manner similar to the handle of a grocery cart,but many handle heights to choose from.

g. In contrast to having handles available which are adjustable, as thehandles of a walker, having multiple handles available concurrentlyfacilitates ease of use when more than one person may use the equipment,as there is no need to adjust. Seeking the proper height on a walkeroften requires time consuming adjustment. The benefits of positionalmanagement are not readily known, but often self evident to patientswhen they have the choice of handle selection. Having the walker handlesavailable for a user to self select is easiest, and may facilitateproper use. By facilitating proper use, it may also facilitate greateruse. In that many treadmills, used either at private homes, or exerciseareas such as gyms, or medical facilities that do stress tests, havemultiple users, need for adjustment between users would potentially bean impediment. Therefore, concurrent availability of the many handlepositions is an advantage.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a device including oneor more handles, said device capable of simulating exercise over varioustypes of terrain, said device further capable of positional managementof handle height so as to induce flexion of a spine of a device userduring use of said device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oneor more handles comprise multiple handles at multiple heightsconcurrently.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the multiple handlesat multiple heights concurrently also comprise multiple handles atmultiple heights and multiple positions concurrently.
 4. The apparatusof claim 2, wherein the multiple handles at multiple heightsconcurrently comprise a set of handles and wherein the handles in a setof handles are in a fixed relative position where individual handles areoffset in a staggered arrangement with at least the handle portion ofseparate handles being substantially parallel.
 5. The apparatus of claim4, wherein the multiple handles at multiple heights concurrentlycomprise a front traverse set of handles.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4,wherein the multiple handles at multiple heights concurrently comprise aside set of handles.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the set ofhandles comprise: a front traverse set of handles; and furthercomprising a side set of handles wherein the handles in the side set ofhandles are in a fixed relative position where individual handles areoffset in a staggered arrangement with at least the handle portion ofseparate handles being substantially parallel.
 8. The apparatus of claim1, wherein said device capable of simulating exercise over various typesof terrain is capable of simulating walking over various types ofterrain.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a type of terraincomprises inclined terrain.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saiddevice comprises a treadmill.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, where saiddevice is capable of positional management of handle height so as toinduce flexion of a spine of a device user for a user having spinalstenosis and/or other conditions.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wheresaid device is capable of positional management of handle height forusers of varying heights.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein saidflexion comprises lumbo-sacral flexion.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein said positional management of handle height comprisespositioning and height of said one or more handles for a device userhaving spinal stenosis and/or other conditions so as to induce optimalspine position.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said positionalmanagement of handle height comprises positioning and height of said oneor more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or otherconditions so as to induce optimal spine and body position.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said positional management of handleheight includes said device capable of adjusting height and position ofsaid one or more handles as the amount of inclination of said terrainchanges.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said positionalmanagement of handle height comprises positioning and height of said oneor more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or otherconditions so as to induce at least functional spine position.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein said positional management of handleheight comprises positioning and height of said one or more handles fora device user having spinal stenosis and/or other conditions so as toinduce at least functional spine and body position.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said device comprises an exercise device that has beenretrofitted to be capable of position management of handle height so asto induce flexion of a spine of a device user during use of said device.20. An apparatus comprising: a set of one or more handles to retrofit adevice; wherein said device is capable of simulating exercise overvarious types of terrain, said set of handles being capable ofpositional management of handle height so as to induce flexion of aspine of a device user during use of said device.
 21. The apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein the one or more handles comprise multiple handles atmultiple heights concurrently.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, whereinthe multiple handles at multiple heights concurrently also comprisemultiple handles at multiple heights and multiple positionsconcurrently.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the multiplehandles at multiple heights concurrently comprise a set of handles andwherein the handles in a set of handles are in a fixed relative positionwhere individual handles are offset in a staggered arrangement with atleast the handle portion of separate handles being substantiallyparallel.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the multiple handles atmultiple heights concurrently comprise a front traverse set of handles.25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the multiple handles at multipleheights concurrently comprise a side set of handles.
 26. The apparatusof claim 23, wherein the set of handles comprise: a front traverse setof handles; and further comprising a side set of handles wherein thehandles in the side set of handles are in a fixed relative positionwhere individual handles are offset in a staggered arrangement with atleast the handle portion of separate handles being substantiallyparallel.
 27. The apparatus of claim 20, where said device is capable ofpositional management of handle height so as to induce flexion of aspine of a device user for a user having spinal stenosis and/or otherconditions.
 28. The apparatus of claim 20, where said device is capableof positional management of handle height for users of varying heights.29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said flexion compriseslumbo-sacral flexion.
 30. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein saidpositional management of handle height comprises positioning and heightof said one or more handles for a device user having spinal stenosisand/or other conditions so as to induce optimal spine position.
 31. Theapparatus of claim 30, wherein said positional management of handleheight comprises positioning and height of said one or more handles fora device user having spinal stenosis and/or other conditions so as toinduce optimal spine and body position.
 32. The apparatus of claim 27,wherein said positional management of handle height comprisespositioning and height of said one or more handles for a device userhaving spinal stenosis and/or other conditions so as to induce at leastfunctional spine position.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein saidpositional management of handle height comprises positioning and heightof said one or more handles for a device user having spinal stenosisand/or other conditions so as to induce at least functional spine andbody position.
 34. A method comprising: exercising on a treadmill whileholding selected handles, wherein position management of height of theselected handles induces flexion of a spine of a device user during useof said device.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the one or morehandles comprise multiple handles at multiple heights concurrently. 36.The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the multiple handles at multipleheights concurrently also comprise multiple handles at multiple heightsand multiple positions concurrently.
 37. The apparatus of claim 35,wherein the multiple handles at multiple heights concurrently comprise aset of handles and wherein the handles in a set of handles are in afixed relative position where individual handles are offset in astaggered arrangement with at least the handle portion of separatehandles being substantially parallel.
 38. The apparatus of claim 37,wherein the multiple handles at multiple heights concurrently comprise afront traverse set of handles.
 39. The apparatus of claim 37, whereinthe multiple handles at multiple heights concurrently comprise a sideset of handles.
 40. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the set ofhandles comprise: a front traverse set of handles; and furthercomprising a side set of handles wherein the handles in the side set ofhandles are in a fixed relative position where individual handles areoffset in a staggered arrangement with at least the handle portion ofseparate handles being substantially parallel.
 41. The apparatus ofclaim 34, where said device is capable of positional management ofhandle height so as to induce flexion of a spine of a device user for auser having spinal stenosis and/or other conditions.
 42. The apparatusof claim 34, where said device is capable of positional management ofhandle height for users of varying heights.
 43. The apparatus of claim41, wherein said flexion comprises lumbo-sacral flexion.
 44. Theapparatus of claim 41, wherein said positional management of handleheight comprises positioning and height of said one or more handles fora device user having spinal stenosis and/or other conditions so as toinduce optimal spine position.
 45. The apparatus of claim 44, whereinsaid positional management of handle height comprises positioning andheight of said one or more handles for a device user having spinalstenosis and/or other conditions so as to induce optimal spine and bodyposition.
 46. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said positionalmanagement of handle height comprises positioning and height of said oneor more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or otherconditions so as to induce at least functional spine position.
 47. Theapparatus of claim 46, wherein said positional management of handleheight comprises positioning and height of said one or more handles fora device user having spinal stenosis and/or other conditions so as toinduce at least functional spine and body position.